Need to choose between these 2 schools.
Seems both schools are strong in Humanity program. Which school has stronger Math and Science program?
Interested in Model UN, Math team, Orchestra, violin ,and squash.
Which school has better performance/ resources?
Thanks for sharing in advance!
Both schools will be strong in math/science. I only know Hotchkiss, but their music program is renowned. Both schos are excellent, it really comes down to the best fit for your kid, not hairsplitting over academics.
Is violin/orchestra your kid’s main interest?
If so, I’d choose Hotchkiss, because it’s music program is the best.
In terms of academics however, both are on the same level.
Thank you all for the great advice!
If you aren’t aware of Hotchkiss’ music program, you should really reach out to the head and ask for more information. They have an incredible program, but it’s a huge time commitment. From what what I remember, those in orchestra are required to take a music class, in addition to orchestra practice, and they are required to do a set amount of solo performances each year. Our Hotchkiss tour guide was preparing for her solo and was incredibly nervous about it. In addition to the intensity of the music program, we were told once a student commits to orchestra/music, it’s very difficult to also explore the other arts. Kiddo was interested in orchestra and visual arts and ended up not applying to Hotchkiss because she couldn’t easily do both. In the end, if violin is going to be a huge focus for your kiddo, I would definitely reach out to both schools for more info.
And another thing to consider is location…have you been to either school? Are you able to visit them before making a decision? While I generally think the academics, sports, and students are similar for both schools, the locations are complete opposites.
I know zero about music.
But when I toured Hotchkiss last year, I secretly wished I were a musician. I don’t recall feeling that way about any other school about any other discipline that has nothing to do with my actual life.
One of my Lawrenceville friends’ (I’m a current student) twin sibling goes to Hotchkiss, and the main topic of their rivalry is about their respective schools’ locations. It’s definitely very important, and also results in Lawrenceville having proportionally 10x more day students.
In terms of your child’s interests: Lawrenceville’s MUN goes to Dartmouth and Yale MUN each year, and they frequently win outstanding delegation, with the top students almost always getting outstanding or even best delegate. I started out on the team this year and the leadership has been incredibly supportive and helpful along the way.
For math team, in the last 2 years or so we’ve been getting some really good competitive math students, which has improved them quite a bit—even then the math club doesn’t do much group competition, it mainly provides support for individuals taking the various exams and holds meetings about interesting topics.
I know around 8-9 years ago Lawrenceville would frequently make it to and win nationals in Squash. They usually win the MAPLs nowadays—I’d check their official records but the new athletics website does not display historic results, unfortunately.
Hotchkiss is probably better for orchestra, our music program doesn’t really stand out (although the introduction of the very popular Jazz Improvisation class this year suggests a positive trajectory).
We are international student can’t visit now. One of the reason that make the decision difficult to make really is because of the location…
Before pandemic definitely prefer suburban location. However, during the pandemic, seems remote rural area is a plus.
Thank you very much about the detailed information! It’s really impressive to know the MUN team status in Lville!
Have you seen the Hotchkiss dining Instagram account?
Yes! Looks delicious!
But I assume most school foods are similar?
One difference is that Hotchkiss brought its food service in house, instead of outsourcing it to a large corporate supplier. As a result the food service can make changes more easily, for example, buying from local farms (something that is difficult with a large corporate food service). Plus, Hotchkiss, with student help, grows a lot of its own food on its farm. I am sure other prep schools also have excellent food, but I wanted to give a little “color” about the Hotchkiss dining scene.
Are there many kids joining outside orchestra or take advanced courses at Princeton? Feel if the school has many day students, they probably can access more outside resources. Thanks!
I don’t believe there are many. One of the things that is somewhat unique to Lville is the extent to which day students are on campus. Student life is structured in such a way that it is very difficult to maintain an outside activity and still be fully part of the community. Most day students at Lville are “boarders who sleep at home.” Weekends included.
I don’t think so. Hotchkiss handles food in house, buys from local farmers, and has a large farm integrated into the curriculum.
Thanks for sharing! I like the school with its own farm. These two school happened both have their own farm. It’s really nice.
Kiddo works on the Bid Red Farm as her “sport” and it’s probably one of her favorite things about Lville. In addition to helping with planting and harvesting, they jarred honey and made hot sauce this Fall. Definitely a unique experience.
It’s great to know that the Farm experience can be a substitute to sport. Can music also consider as “sport”?
I know dance can, and I think theater, not sure about music.